JOSH ALLEN & the Bills FAIL TO EXECUTE in FRUSTRATING LOSS to EAGLES

Summary

Buffalo Plus Podcast: "JOSH ALLEN & the Bills FAIL TO EXECUTE in FRUSTRATING LOSS to EAGLES"

Date: December 29, 2025
Hosts: Mike Catalana (B), Jenna Cottrell (A), Dan Fetes (C)
Episode Theme:
An in-depth breakdown of the Buffalo Bills' frustrating 13-12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The hosts discuss the game’s pivotal moments, question marks about the offense, the impact of injuries, the looming playoff picture, and the challenges of the team’s execution.

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Episode Overview

The Buffalo Plus team recaps a tough home loss to the Eagles where Buffalo’s season-long offensive inconsistencies surfaced once again. With playoff hopes and seeding hanging in the balance, the team explores how defensive effort was wasted by an anemic offense that couldn't capitalize. They examine coaching decisions, Josh Allen’s play and health, and what the result means for the Bills' postseason prospects.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Game Recap and Tone

• The Bills lost to the Eagles 13-12 in poor weather conditions in Orchard Park, failing to score until the final minutes. (00:23)
• Defense held strong, but the offense couldn’t execute, especially in the red zone.
• The final play—going for two instead of tying with an extra point—was debated, but most hosts supported it due to kicker uncertainty. (04:38-05:40)

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2. Offensive Struggles and Identity Crisis

• Jenna: “The Bills didn’t score until 5 minutes and 11 seconds left in the fourth quarter of this game.” (03:17)
• Dan: “I still don't know what to expect with this offense week in and week out…when you have Josh Allen settling for 12 points in a game, it’s just not good enough.” (01:34)
• Issues highlighted:
  • Inconsistency in wide receiver production.
  • Lack of physical dominance up front: “James Cook couldn’t really get going… when this Bills offense is working, they’re the bullies.” (03:14, 04:25)
  • Allen tried to do too much, leading to costly sacks and turnovers. (07:03-07:14)

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3. Decision-Making at the End of the Game

• Going for Two:
  • Supported by all three, citing lack of faith in kicker Badgley and Allen's momentum. (05:00, 05:17)
  • “I liked that decision because Matt Michael Badgley…he’s going to be cut tomorrow, so it doesn’t matter.” – Jenna (04:38)
  • Allen missed a wide-open receiver for the win: “He missed a guy who was open in the end zone… Play should have worked. Josh got pressure.” – Mike (06:17)
  • Allen took accountability postgame: “I missed him.” – Mike quoting Allen (06:21)

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4. Josh Allen’s Performance and Injury

• Foot injury lingered but X-rays negative; more pain management than structural damage. (12:08)
• Allen admitted missing crucial throws and taking unnecessary sacks (06:34, 07:03).
• Limitations were apparent in the run game and designed QB runs. (21:32-22:30)
• Hosts debate whether team should rest him for the final regular season game.

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5. Wide Receiver and Playmaker Issues

• Inconsistent rotation and depth:
  • Dan: “Their not where they want to be…two weeks before the playoffs.” (08:20)
  • Keon Coleman a healthy scratch, suggesting WR roles are solidified for playoffs. (08:53-09:04)
  • Notable plays from Tyrell Shavers (PI drawn, big catch) and Brandon Cooks (huge 54-yard catch). (09:04-09:51)
• “That’s the first time the Bills wide receivers stretched the field in 84 years…” – Jenna (09:51)

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6. Play Calling and Joe Brady’s Criticized Decisions

• Controversial third-and-nine WR screen to Ty Johnson sparked an audible groan from the stadium crowd. (17:03-17:46)
• Screen game called “so predictable now” and reliant on broken tackles. (17:15)
• Hosts question persistence with low-reward screens.

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7. Defensive Silver Linings

• Defense "balled out" limiting Eagles to 13 (touched up only after Allen fumble).
• Stout run defense: “That Saquon Barkley out there had a few decent runs, but they really shut him down. Hertz really did not run at all.” – Mike (14:18)
• Jalen Hurts did not complete a pass in the second half, yet Eagles won—second time this has happened this year. (26:03)
• “I know everybody wants Sean fired. This is a phenomenal job by Sean and Bobby with this defense.” – Dan (25:32)

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8. Injuries and Health Concerns

• Josh Allen’s foot: aggravated but X-rays negative. (12:08, 14:43)
• Other key injury updates:
  • Matt Prater (kicker): Progressing, return to be determined.
  • Ed Oliver: Slight setback.
  • Terrel Bernard: Left with calf injury but tried to remain in the game. (15:11-15:51)
• Emphasis on resting key players in the finale to be healthy for the postseason. (19:32-20:03)

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9. Playoff Outlook & Seeding

• Currently the 7th seed; much will be determined by Week 18 results elsewhere. (12:40)
• Hosts agree that health is more important than chasing a specific seed. (13:15-13:31)
• Josh likely to start the final game “just to keep the streak,” then rest. (19:32, 20:01)

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10. Atmosphere, Weather, and Final Thoughts

• Brutal conditions, tough for offense to execute; compared to previous miserable weather games. (18:00-18:59)
• Highlighting the need for a strong finish in the season finale at home for the fans. (25:56)
• Host reflections: “Slow starts catch up to you…today was an example of that.” – Jenna (25:12)
• “It’s been a good but very trying year for Bills fans. I think they’ve put you through a lot.” – Mike (25:56)

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “Giving up 13 points, you should win that game every single time.” – Jenna (03:07)
• “When you have Josh Allen settling for a 12 points in a game, it’s just not good enough.” – Dan (01:34)
• “You don’t want to go to overtime…he [Badgley] sucked, so I get why you didn’t do that.” – Jenna on two-point decision (05:21)
• “I missed him.” – Josh Allen, quoted by Mike on the two-point miss (06:21)
• “That’s the first time the Bills wide receivers stretched the field in 84 years.” – Jenna (09:51)
• “This defense stinks. They’re not elite. But this offense is very flawed. And they’re still trying to figure it out 17 weeks into a season.” – Dan (02:08)
• “There was an audible gasp in the crowd on the third and nine wide receiver screen to Ty Johnson…should be sent to the moon.” – Dan (17:03-17:39)
• “I know everybody wants Sean fired. This is a phenomenal job by Sean and Bobby with this defense.” – Dan (25:32)
• “Slow starts catch up to you. And today was an example of that.” – Jenna (25:12)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Bills’ offensive woes and identity: 01:34–03:14
• Critical red zone failures & two-point decision: 03:26–06:21
• Josh Allen’s accountability: 06:21
• Brandon Cooks & WR step-up: 09:47–10:05
• Key injuries & playoff landscape: 12:08–14:43
• Defense performance and unique Hurts stat: 25:32–26:17
• Play calling criticism (WR screen): 17:03–17:46
• Playoff implications & necessity of rest: 13:15–14:17, 19:32–20:03

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Conclusion

This episode paints a clear picture of where the Bills stand: defensively resilient, offensively unreliable, and facing significant questions about execution, play-calling, and health as the playoffs approach. The hosts express empathy for fans’ frustrations while underlining the team's resolve and the importance of entering the postseason healthy—even if they limp in as a lower seed.

Final thought:
“It’s been a good but very trying year for Bills fans…Maybe have a little fun here at the stadium next week and then get ready for the playoffs.” — Mike Catalana (25:56)

Transcript

[A]

For the record, I'm all for them.

[B]

Going for two, and it should have worked.

[C]

I know what the Bills defense is. They have their flaws. I still don't know what the Bill's offense is. This is the Buffalo Podcast.

[A]

All right, welcome back to the Buffalo Podcast. Mike Catalana, Dan Fates. I am Jenna Cottrell. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe, subscribe and share. We're indoors today because it's been so bad outdoors here in Orchard Park. We're going to break down this. Bill's loss to the Eagles 13:12 was the final score. You know, I know that it came down to the very end of this game where the Bills playoff picture is. Now we're going to break down the defense, the offense, the good, the bad, and some of the very ugly that we saw here today. Mike, let's start with you. We always do. What are your thoughts after today?

[B]

Well, it did come down to the end, right? And one play where they could have won the game. But for the majority of this game, it looked like there wasn't even going to be a shot of that. And you kept looking up at the scoreboard and go, it's only 13 to nothing. And the Eagles offense, credit to the Bills defense, it played well, but the Eagles offense was basically stalled. They were doing absolutely nothing. Bills kept getting chances and kept getting chances, but you still felt the way it was going, like, are the Bills really going to have a shot to win this? And then they made a play and they made another play and they made some really good plays on the last drive and they had their chance at the end. Not good enough. The defense really good in that second half.

[C]

But Dan, offense, I still don't know what to expect with this offense week in and week out. And we can talk about, you know, the rotation of wide receivers and trying to find the passing attack. And yes, it was very, very, very poor conditions out there today. But James Cook, like, the Bills are the best offensively when they're the bullies and they're the more physical team, and they weren't the more physical team here tonight. Jalen Carter was great, and the Eagles defensive line kind of dominated that. And when that happens, it puts the Bills in a position where they're playing with one arm tied behind their back. And a game like this, Jenna, is the game that I fear they will have in the postseason. I think about that when you're sitting there and going, your defense has done enough. And again, it's a different conversation of where the Eagles offense is. And, you know, Their limitations. The defense balled out in the second half, and I thought they held their own in the first half. Their touchdown came off of a Josh Allen fumble. Like they did their part. But in losses like in Houston, like the first game against New England, like Atlanta, you saw Miami, they scored 10 points, 13 points, 19 points, it's not good enough. And when you have Josh Allen settling for a 12 points in a game, it's just not good enough. And that's where I keep going back to. And I know people will say, the defense, the defense, this defense stinks. They're not elite. But this offense is very flawed. And they're still trying to figure it out 17 weeks into a season.

[A]

Yeah. And that's what's scary because you're right, like giving up 13 points, you should win that game every single time.

[C]

Eagles defense is good. They had chances. The Bills had scored.

[A]

They had plenty of times. And that's what was so frustrating in this game, is the Bills didn't score until 5 minutes and 11 seconds left in the fourth quarter of this game.

[B]

Yeah, they had their opportunities in the red zone. Now they finally cashed them in at the end, but they had the one right down behind us in this end zone. And they got to the fourth down and Josh got stopped there and it really set them back. But I thought to your point, the defense being able to keep. Keep it at 13. Keep it at 13, and you just kept waiting for something to happen. You know what's funny about this game is that the offense, especially the pass catchers, the wide receivers are not good enough yet. Yet. General Shavers made incredible.

[A]

Brandon Cooks.

[B]

Brandon Cooks came up with multiple plays in this game. And late they did the little lateral on the.

[A]

On fourth down. Yeah.

[B]

And did that. They. They've done that twice on fourth down and it's worked for them both times. But at the same time, they actually made a few plays. But to Dan's point, it was the bread and butter that wasn't working. As in Josh making plays himself.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And he can say what he wants. I still think the foot is impacted and it got hurt in the game. He took a lot of hits in this one, but James Cook couldn't really, really get going the way when this Bill's offense is working.

[A]

Let's start with the end of the game decision making. I mean, we've kind of already talked a little bit overarching things, but the Bills. Josh Allen runs it in for the touchdown. As time's expiring, they decide to go to 2 for 2, I liked that decision because Matt Michael bad. Bad Bagley Badgley. I mean, I can't even say he's going to be cut tomorrow, so it doesn't matter.

[B]

Perfectly.

[A]

But essentially him has he has missed extra points before. Obviously he missed one earlier on in this game. You don't want to go to overtime. It's the second to last game of the season. You want the game to end.

[C]

I think you would have. If you do want to play devil's advocate. They were dominating that fourth quarter.

[A]

No, I agree.

[C]

So I really think it came down to they don't trust Badgley.

[A]

And, and also I think to me it was, it was multiple things. It was Badgley and then it was also just get these guys off the field. The Bills offense was rolling at that point and you had the look that you wanted to. So I know some people will be like, why didn't you just kick the extra point? Well, he sucked, so I get why you didn't do that.

[B]

You're right. You're right about that. It's also 10 more minutes of Josh Allen on the field. Yeah, he took a beating. He took five sacks in this game. And I think that's what I was.

[A]

Saying though, when I'm like, I don't want to play overtime. Like there's two, two games. That was the second to last game.

[B]

This is whatever the numbers are. Normally for extra points, he's not at that number. Right. Jaylen Carter blocked the one, but it was a low kick anyhow. There wasn't a lot of faith. And at that time you had the Eagles on their heels. You had scored deep in the red zone. Basically where you're taking the two point conversion, you had done it twice. You found your way into the end zone. Play should have worked. Josh got pressure.

[C]

Yep.

[B]

But he knows. And what did he say right after the game? I missed him.

[A]

I missed him.

[B]

He, you know, a lot of times he takes the blame when he shouldn't. He missed a guy who was open in the end zone. Maybe, maybe the pressure got to him a little. Maybe he rushed the throw a little bit, but it wasn't a good throw. It should have won the game.

[A]

I do think that we talk so much about how fantastic Josh Allen is because he is and we know that he is a unicorn. And I don't know how much his foot did limit him today, but he did make some very costly mistakes for this build team. Now the two point conversion, that was a miss. But some of the sacks that he ended up taking at one point Taking them out of field goal range, him running around. And we've seen Josh Curry create absolutely magic out of nothing in doing that. But today it was with those things, the fumble early on. Josh was not at his best today.

[C]

Yeah, I think that's fair to say. And I also think it was, as we've seen more these last few weeks and maybe even a lot of this season, he's trying to do too much.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Like this is, hey, a field goal. Like, they turned down the field goal early in the third quarter because it would have taken a two possession game into a two possession game. They went for it. Josh may have had Cook, Cooks or Shakir open. Like he didn't. He ends up where his foot didn't seem to be 100%, like he didn't fully go John Elway into the end zone. And so I think in that spot again, it's third down and he's thinking, well, we're not settling for a field goal and does the turn back across the field and it cost them. And now then they had to punt. So there have been those times where you're looking at it and it's what we've been saying that's what's the most frustrating thing, is that we've seen this game before this season. We've seen this movie where you're going, man, if Josh had a guy that he could count on and give like credit to, Brandon Cooks, he showed up today.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Okay. He redeemed himself. You were talking like, why not cut him? After two bad drops, he showed up, made some big plays and big moments. That's why you brought him in. So I was okay with that, but it just felt like this offense has been, and Josh has even said it, James Cook makes our offense go and when that's not there, they don't have that plan B.

[A]

And even earlier in the week, Sean McDermott was asked about the receiving core and he said essentially, they're not where they want to be. They're not there. He's like, I have the ultimate faith in my guys because that is what you say. But the fact that Sean McDermott, you know, two weeks before the playoffs is like, yeah. Essentially saying, I wish there was more, there was more depth there, there was more talent there. That is telling.

[B]

Also wish he knew who his guys were. Also that and I maybe we saw tonight who his guys are going to be for the playoffs.

[C]

I agree. Right.

[B]

Because Keon was a healthy scratch second.

[C]

Week in a row, fourth time this season.

[B]

And I think that's the Case for the playoffs.

[A]

That's.

[B]

I see no reason.

[A]

That's the nail in the coffin.

[B]

I see no reason why he would. He'll play next week because they're playing the Jets.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I don't think he's one of the guys in. Unless somebody gets injured and I don't know how much the starters are going to play, but I don't think that's the case. I. I will say this. Tyrell Shavers drew a pass interference against Quinion Mitchell, who is one of the best corners in the league, and then went up and got it. Now, did the ball maybe touch the ground? I don't care. They didn't call it. They didn't review it. The Eagles didn't challenge it. Maybe he didn't, but it was a heck of a play. And like I said, Cooks made a few plays in many cases. Dan, that's what we're looking for. We know we're not going to get the 120 yard game, but go up and help your quarterback and at least I'll say that, at least we saw a little bit of that from this game. It's the rare time when the wide receivers made Josh look good.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

On his play. So that's the, that's the only positive I would take out of that.

[A]

I made a joke after that first Brandon Cooks catch for, what was it, 54 yards. That's the first time the Bills wide receivers stretched the field in 84 years because it felt like, oh, my gosh, there's the play where you're saying that can keep a defense honest. Yeah.

[C]

And again, they just weren't able to control the line of scrimmage. They weren't the more physical team. And that's the type that felt like a playoff game you're going to see. And Sean was asked about that, like, hey, the offense has had their struggles. Cleveland's a good defense, Philly's a good defense. You struggled against both these teams. And he's like, yeah, like this, this, this is what we. This is what we're going to have to do. Like, we have to figure this out. There's the utmost urgency and things of that. You're just running out of time. Mike, you've asked Sean several times during the week.

[B]

I asked him several times tonight. I tried to get out a question about a mindset now that they're not going to win the division. Obviously, Sean was having. No, none of it. And then it went.

[A]

I will say, I know you very well. I was like, I have absolutely no Idea what All I was trying to.

[B]

Say was now that you know you're not winning the division, does the mindset for your team change? I thought he was going to say something like our goals are the same, we just got to do it in a different way and go. He. He didn't want anything to do with that. And then it went back and forth for, I don't know, felt like eight minutes. It was probably 40 seconds.

[C]

On the plus side, your phone didn't go off.

[A]

That's true.

[B]

Well, that is true. Yes, that is true.

[C]

That was the play. Mrs. Lincoln. Nope.

[B]

No.

[A]

Still no.

[B]

No Rob Ellis.

[A]

No.

[B]

Yeah, never mind. We'll explain. But anyhow, I tried that point about it, but look, this is, this is a tough loss. I don't think they're going to win the division anyhow.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because I think, can I say the plus Josh Allen is going to take the first snap next week and then he's going to sit down, just rest, let that man rest, let that foot rest and get ready for whoever the playoffs. Because while everybody's in love with the five seed, it might be the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore on a night game. And I know maybe they aren't the Ravens of Ravens, but they looked pretty good. And if they get Derrick Henry going, I don't know if you're sitting there going, we gotta try for this. I don't think they're gonna get there anyhow with a loss. I just think, I don't care who you're playing, if Josh isn't feeling good, you ain't going anywhere.

[A]

Well, that's it.

[C]

So here's the quick update. Josh said it had zero impact on him in the second half. Sean gave more insight than I was expecting. Said that his foot felt better and better throughout last week. It aggravated again today. The same injury. Josh went and got X rays, they were negative. They're going to monitor that once again. So it's more of the pain tolerance. But this is now a lingering injury. That's the good news on Josh Allen. As for the standings as the time of. We're taping this, the Bills right now are the seven seed. So if the playoffs started this moment, they would be going back to Foxborough who is the two seed.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So it looks like New England is not coming out of that spot. I mean they're. They. I guess they wouldn't want to play it. They're going to play it to get the win and stay at the two seed if they win again.

[C]

Yeah, there's so many.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. There's a lot going on.

[A]

There's. There's.

[B]

Yeah, I guess in that case, you don't know what. How it's going to play out. You just know you got to be healthy. You got to take your version of the bye week next week, and everybody can celebrate the stadium. This is going to be the last game here, and let them do that. Get ready for the postseason and then see what kind of run they can make.

[A]

No, I mean, it is true. That's the most important is health. And I know people will say, like, oh, yeah, we want this seating and that. I get it. I understand that. Because the matchups are important. But the most imperative thing is that Josh Allen is feeling good. You know that, I know that. We all know that.

[C]

But all those things are going like, there's so much that can change with wins and losses. You could jump up to the six if the Bills win and the Chargers lose. You could jump all the way back up to five if Houston and the Chargers lose next week with the Bills win. And again, 2 and 3 can flip. I imagine Jacksonville and New England depending on wins and losses there. So to sit there and say, like, you need to get this seed for this matchup does not exist this playoffs for me.

[B]

Right. Because you go out there and play at 1 o', clock, if that's what it is, next week and win and think you get this, but it ends up not being the case. So it's getting themselves ready, getting themselves ready to play in the playoffs and getting other guys back. Like Jordan Poyer did not play in this game. You know, Jordan Phillips didn't play.

[A]

Daquan Jones.

[B]

Jones, like that would help. But all that being said, the run defense was good in this game. That Saquon Barkley out there had a few decent runs, but they really shut him down. Hertz really did not run at all.

[A]

No.

[B]

Which, you know, I don't know what their plan was that way, but honestly, I think it's more about getting to Dan's point, getting this offense right and that begins in the middle and the end is number 17.

[A]

Yeah. So, Josh, obviously the X rays coming back negative, so I do think that is encouraging. In terms of other injury notes, Sean McDermott did say that Matt Prater is. Is progressing. He said he's waiting to hear when he gets back into the building what that will look like. Obviously, the Bills have missed him as their kicker, Ed Oliver, he mentioned, had a slight setback, which that's concerning. But at the same moment, I do believe that, you know, we Knew he wasn't going to play next week. It's where he's at in terms of the postseason picture and what that will look like.

[C]

And trail. Bernard left the game with a calf injury. I was filming him for about five minutes on the sidelines because I. He had a nice tackle on third down and he kind of came up grabbing his. The back of his leg and you're like, whoa, what's that? And then he kind of gingerly walked off the field. He was talking to trainers for what felt like 10 minutes.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Like he really was trying to make a case whether to go in or didn't want to go to the locker room right before halftime. I don't know. Again, is it. And Sean just kind of said calf. So that's better. Right? Because his ankle. Achilles ankle, calf.

[B]

But calf can lead. That's a lot of times it's a calf injury and it weakens.

[A]

And he has had the ankle stuff before. It's. It's tough because we all know what Terrell Bernard means to this defense. He is one of two captains, but this season he has been snake bitten. It's just a fact.

[C]

I thought he made a couple of plays. I thought he had a couple plays. I thought him and Milano I thought were flying around. And then Shaq also brought in other physicality. The defense I thought was physical.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

To see Dion Walker have another one. Couple those penetrating play.

[B]

And also chase down on the sidelines. Made a good play down.

[A]

Your boy.

[C]

Your boy with a couple of nice run.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And got a sack.

[A]

He did get a sack.

[B]

Did you see the play? It was a sack. No.

[C]

Did we?

[B]

Yeah, yeah, it was a sack. Hey, he should have gotten one at the end of the game with Shador Sanders. So this makes up for it. He's getting there.

[C]

So that's two. Honestly, that's two of just him. Just the guy running out of bounds and him closest to.

[B]

No, it was. It was the. It was the. I think when Hurts fell down. Is that what it was? Yeah, yeah, he got it though. He was there to make the play.

[A]

How concerned are you with some of the decision making and just kind of where this offense is at?

[B]

We haven't really talked about Joe Brady much at all in this.

[C]

Okay, let me start here.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Again, the press box is right here. Field is right there. Okay.

[B]

You guys do a lot of pointing.

[C]

There was an audible gasp in the crowd.

[B]

Oh, I know.

[C]

On the third and nine wide receiver screen to Ty Johnson. I've never in my life heard an entire stadium go I can't believe they did it. They did it again. And it goes for. Luckily just. Just zero yards like it was. They got lucky in that case. But that play should be sent to the moon. And Josh was asked about it afterwards, said it's worked for us before.

[B]

They keep saying it's worked before, man. It feels like it's a long time.

[C]

In the past when. When Khalil Shakira has broken seven tackles.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And I don't think you can bank on that on most plays. It is so predictable now. And I know it was pouring because I was out there, but it just.

[B]

Felt he was out there.

[A]

He was.

[C]

He was press box. What was press box?

[A]

Say. No, I give you a ton of credit.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I didn't see these.

[B]

Can you say, michael, these are hand warmers. Somebody was using them in the press box.

[A]

Well, okay, if we're gonna be. So you told me you were like, oh, you know, and no, I can't do this. It's mean. But when you were like, oh, I want to shoot the last game at Highmark, so I'll do this Eagles game to. To, you know, to pay my dues. I was gonna let you shoot the game either way.

[B]

Dan, you were a gamer, though.

[A]

Cause that was really nice.

[B]

You got stuck with the game in Philly two years ago. That was horrendous. Non stop. Right.

[C]

So this game was colder. The game in Philly two years ago felt like you were taking a shower. Like that was how com. Like that's how comical it was of just straight downpour. End of the second quarter it led up and then it picked back up in the second half. Not very fun. You just. In that case, it is the worst type of weather to. To be at a football game. Football game. Like you'd rather it be 20 degree colder and just snow. Could have been a really cool snow game. Unfortunately, it was 40.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So it's going to be the last home game here next week. Yeah, I mean, I guess it depends. There's always a possibility depending on. But it would take a lot and I think there are, for them to have a. Another home game.

[C]

Sean McDermott, the Chargers in the AFC championship game six wild.

[B]

I'll sign up for that right now.

[A]

Yeah, you're telling me. No, Sean McDermott said this week he's got to meet with the leadership council to talk about what they want to do in terms of obviously resting guys, what it would look like if they were to do that. Who would play, who would not how that would all shake out.

[B]

Josh Will start and he should be able to do listen when you sit out because you would have played and he would have played would play. I have no problem with him not losing his streak.

[A]

I agree.

[B]

Because the guy has played these last few weeks in a lot of cases. I think a guy might have sat out or they might have sat him out because of injury. I think the injury plays a part of it. But hey, look, if they were still playing for the division or I think he'd be playing the whole game.

[A]

I agree.

[B]

Because you'd have to play.

[A]

No, that's fair.

[C]

Comment in below or tweet at us or anything like that. Like, what are you most concerned about? Because I feel like a lot of the season it has been defense. They can't stop the run and all this stuff. And like the national media pundits who don't. Who look more at the box scores and look more at Mike. You were on Philly radio and they're like this offense, you know, they're putting up all these points. Like we've said bikinis. The stats may show that this is the fourth highest scoring offense in the league or something like that. It doesn't feel like it and it hasn't felt like that all year.

[B]

I'm sorry. The other part was this looked like the kind of game they have played on the road.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Because they have at home. They usually find a way and they usually score points. And while it's a very good defense they're playing against, a lot of it was on them. And this offensive line is the strength of the team. They got handled in this game. I mean, there was the one play and I know Jalen Carter is really good, but he walked by Osiris Torrance.

[C]

I think I underestimated Jalen Carter's impact on this game.

[B]

Well, Jalen Carter's been out, but they have been really good the last few weeks. And they have like Jalex Hunt. That is a guy who can play. Jalen Phillips got banged up. I don't know how much, but they got some dudes on that D line. A series of those players. I just thought when the Bill's offensive line is not even. I won't even say dominating is not a strength in the game. That's a problem for this. It's a problem for anybody's offense. But that's a real problem for this.

[C]

Offense in the foot more than anything. Because I feel like when this team has looked better offensively, when I think about that second half against New England or the second half Against Cincinnati, Josh's legs change everything.

[A]

That's why I felt like there were so many limitations.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

Because normally when Josh would break off a run for 8 yards, 10 yards, 12 yards, you felt like he was only running backwards.

[C]

It was. What was it? 3rd and 5. And it was a designed quarterback power and almost broke it. Yeah. And you're like, that was awesome. Right. When you put that with all the limitations on this offense, when you have that seed of doubt as a defender and a defense and a defensive coordinator of going, hey, like, let's do this. All that. But knowing Josh can take off on any down in any distance like he did against Cincinnati.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Third and 15.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

You don't. You're not expecting a. You don't need to spy the quarterback. It's too far. Nope. Josh is able to do it when he's not able to do it. Like, he hasn't been, you know, the second half, it's very limited.

[A]

Well, we were even talking about in the press box because you kind of get that aerial view of seeing, like, wow, there's so much space in the middle of the field. Like, you could see Josh breaking off something or just running up the gut and being able to take it for a first down. But obviously, that was that. To me, it was just something of, you know, if this was a playoff game, I think it would have looked a little bit different. Obviously, it was not, but I think the most important thing was the fact that they, you know, made sure that Josh came out of it as healthy as possible.

[B]

It's like, on the Eagles side last year, Hertz did not run the ball a lot at the end of the year, but they had already clinched the division. They were going to be the 2 seed. They had a luxury, a little bit of saying, yeah, we can back off of this. Even tonight. They know pretty much, we'll see what happens with the rest of them. They're going to be the 3 seed. When the playoffs started. They use Hertz running the ball a lot more, which does open things up, which we know. It doesn't just open things up for the Bills. He is a dominant runner when he can take off. That's why next week he should just limit. Don't do much. Don't do anything at practice. Hand off.

[C]

High five.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Hand off. Yeah. And then. And then go see what happens.

[A]

I do want to mention, I thought Dawson Knox had a pretty good game. Yeah, I know.

[B]

At the end, you know, Kincaid again.

[A]

Yes. Yeah.

[C]

Injury management.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

Is what Sean called it last week.

[A]

Yeah. I Guess the NBA changed it. It's not no longer load management, it's injury management. Oh, so that's why Joe. Joe B. Was saying that. I don't know. I'm not a huge NBA guru. I know that's shocking, but.

[B]

Yeah. And look, they got to get him ready. Anybody who you can get healthy, get him ready. It's two weeks. It's going to be on the road. We don't know whether we're going to la. Well, it wouldn't be la.

[A]

No.

[B]

England. Jackson.

[A]

Baltimore.

[B]

Houston. Baltimore. Pittsburgh.

[A]

Yeah. Pittsburgh.

[C]

I nailed that. I had the Browns plus three.

[A]

Did you really?

[C]

That's a Mike Tomlin letdown spot. And then you'll win next week.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Ravens look great. Derrick Henry. They're going to get Lamar back. Pittsburgh wins.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

It's just how Tomlin does.

[B]

Culling his shot.

[A]

Heard it here.

[C]

Just a Tomlin spot. This week, he's fired. Next week, when he wins the division, he's going to be extension. Extension.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And then when he loses in the first round, fired again.

[A]

Yeah. This is the Mike Tom snip snap.

[C]

Yeah. Yes.

[B]

He, like every other Steelers coach, he's never going anywhere.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

That is correct.

[A]

That's fair. Anything else?

[C]

We'll do the same conversation next year for the Steelers.

[A]

Anything else, gentlemen?

[B]

No, I just want next week to be fun for the fans. It's been a good but very trying year for Bills fans. I think they've put you through a lot. This has not been an easy year. Maybe have a little fun here at the stadium next week and then get ready for the playoffs.

[A]

I do want to mention, like, slow starts catch up to you. And today was an example of that. They can catch up to you. And I felt like this team just like never. Really.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And the defense forced the three and out to start. And you're like, here you go.

[A]

I know.

[C]

Like, you got to play. And again, credit to the defense, man.

[B]

Yeah, they.

[A]

They. They held in.

[B]

It's.

[C]

I know everybody wants Sean fired. This is a phenomenal job by Sean and Bobby with this defense.

[B]

Yeah. There's no doubt that's the case. And look. And the Eagles are used to playing this game. They played the exact same game against Detroit and Green Bay played the exact same game where they got enough points and let the defense close it out. Now, they got lucky at the end of this one, but they've played that game multiple times this year.

[C]

Should have mentioned it earlier. Jalen Hurts did not complete a pass in the second half.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And won. That's the Second time this year that's happened. The Eagles have won both of those games.

[A]

That's insane.

[B]

Yeah. And I. I'm gonna guess insane.

[C]

That's how good the defense.

[B]

I'm gonna guess they maybe only threw eight. Six or eight passes.

[C]

Passes. And he was pressured on five of them.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I mean, most of them were just throwaways.

[C]

Yep.

[A]

Well, roll out to the right.

[B]

I tell Jenna. That's what Hertz does. That's why they avoid. Usually avoid turnovers on that play. Just live and throw it out of bounds.

[C]

What was the explanation on the fumble? Josh's fumble?

[A]

Oh, they said that in the first half. In the first quarter. Well, wasn't it that he was like his.

[B]

Well, the ball was. I think the ball was coming out before he made the motion.

[C]

Really?

[B]

I think, yeah, it.

[A]

It was too close.

[B]

It was too close for them to change it.

[A]

I was like, there's not enough evidence to. To overturn that.

[C]

I just feel like. And they give the benefit of. It feels like they give the benefit of the doubt to the quarterback on those forward passes. If it's not an empty.

[B]

I would say this. I think. I didn't know. I would say the majority of the people around us in the press box all thought that it was a fumble. I was like, oh, I don't know. His hand was coming down. Looked a little like Tuck rule to me. But I think the ball was loose when it came down. And Sean won a challenge.

[A]

Sean did win a challenge.

[B]

It was a good challenge. Took away the devontae Smith catch, which.

[C]

Would have been a first down sideline. Erupted there. Like that was one of those spots where you were like, momentum.

[A]

Yeah, that was big.

[B]

And then it was big.

[C]

That was when they got stopped on fourth down.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

The defense went right out there, forced the three.

[A]

Now.

[C]

Yeah, it's good because defense showed up.

[B]

Whatever the offense did, they push the Eagles in deep holes, and they were deep in their own territory the entire second half. So the Bills won that field position. And that was due to the defense and somewhat to the offense at least moving the ball. But we'll see.

[C]

All right.

[A]

Okay. This was a long one. Yeah, this was all right.

[C]

Well, it's nice when we're inside.

[A]

Yeah, it is. That's pretty. Pretty rad. Not gonna lie.

[C]

You guys were inside the whole day.

[A]

Why did you have to tell him that I had the hand warmers?

[B]

I already admitted my dumb question to Sean McDermott and Dan.

[A]

I feel like that's rubbing it in.

[B]

But then Dan went with at least your phone didn't go off. Come on.

[A]

It is one. And.

[B]

Oh, it is kind of funny.

[A]

Somebody's.

[B]

At least this says no indoor use. Right on here.

[A]

Never met me. Okay. Please comment in your concerns.

[B]

Happy New Year to everybody.

[A]

Happy New Year. Hope everyone had a catch you next year.

[B]

Oh, dad joke.

[A]

We also will talk to them before that.

[C]

Totally.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

All right. For Dan and Mike, I'm Jenna. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe as well as share. We will catch you next time here on the Buffalo plus podcast.

[C]

This is the Buffalo plus podcast.